Slow-Braised Beef and Pumpkin Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty slow-cooked stew combining tender beef chunks and sweet pumpkin, infused with warming spices and served as a comforting winter meal. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs peeled and diced pumpkin, large, chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes in batches, browning all sides for about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot along with 3 cups diced peeled pumpkin, 2 sliced medium carrots, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender and pumpkin breaks down slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed, and serve the stew hot with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Beef and Pumpkin Stew take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Braised Beef and Pumpkin Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peeled and diced pumpkin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Beef and Pumpkin Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Braised Beef and Pumpkin Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Braised Beef and Pumpkin Stew?

Australian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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